In April, Gorillaz arrived back in town with a new album – Humanz. This virtual band had been trailblazing for nearly 20 years as animated characters but 2017 saw them hit new heights.

Blur front man Damon Albarn and artist/designer Jamie Hewlett’s ambitious creative vision has always been one step ahead of the game. Gorillaz have created a cult brand through their groundbreaking visuals and diverse musical collaborations.

Complex animations and 3D holograms have played a part in their live shows. Gorillaz launched at a time when physical sales of albums were at a low, but Albarn and Hewlett were clever enough to start creating a different type of experience for their live audiences. Now they have brought the party to your sofa with virtual and augmented reality tools fully loaded.

Featured image: J.C. Hewlett

Video: Directed by Jamie Hewlett; animation by Passion Studios in collaboration with Google Spolight Stories; 3D environment and props by IP Build. The video for Saturnz Barz (Spirit House) featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan was the biggest debut of a VR music video (360-3D). It was viewed more than three million times on Youtube in its first 48hrs.

Before Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett was best know as creator of 90s comic Tank Girl. By collaborating with other creative agencies Hewlett has managed to evolve new storylines for us to enjoy as his characters age. Working with marketing agency B-Reel has produced the latest Gorillaz App to accompany the album as well as the global listening event ‘Humanz House Party’.

You’ve heard it in our other articles but we’ll say it again: collaborate. Don’t be shy to work with others. It will take you to places you have never imagined.